The Actor's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions
The initial song I fell in love with
My most primal memory is entering a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The song I sing at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I strangely recite every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I can recall almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The ideal tune to play at a party
It relies on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The track I can not bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The song that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.
The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
